City approves moratorium on marijuana dispensaries

NATIONAL CITY  National City has placed a 45-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries while it studies the potential effect on the community.

The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday that prohibits any new business that sells or provides medical marijuana from opening in National City.

The city's Planning Commission will begin looking into measures to prohibit or regulate the dispensaries.

Mayor Ron Morrison said the city also will study existing law and monitor any new laws to help guide the council's decision. He said if the city needs more time, the urgency ordinance may be extended up to one year.

National City joins a number of other San Diego County cities dealing with zoning laws as applications for medical marijuana dispensaries increase. Chula Vista recently rejected a business license application for a dispensary.

The state legalized medical marijuana in 1996 but federal law bans it.